Missing Mont Vernon woman found safe in Florida

By KIMBERLY HOUGHTONUnion Leader Correspondent

MONT VERNON - Two weeks after a local woman disappeared, police say she was located Wednesday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Authorities have been seeking information on the whereabouts of Kathleen Ann Colburn, 29, since she was last seen by her family on the morning of Nov. 19 when she left her Mont Vernon residence and traveled to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

Local police sought technical assistance from the FBI in the missing-person case, according to Aspinwall, who said the FBI has access to numerous databases that could have been helpful in the investigation.

"I don't think she was cognizant of the fact that people were looking for her," Aspinwall said of Colburn, explaining she was likely unaware that she had been listed as a missing person. The chief said he is trying to be sensitive to the Colburn family, adding there may be some underlying mental health issues that perhaps should be addressed.

Colburn's family reported her missing on Nov. 19 when she left to rent a vehicle at the airport. She was subsequently seen two days later at The Fish Bowl, a pet supply store in Milford, where she was reportedly asking for money. Police learned she eventually rented a car from Hertz at the airport on Nov. 21, and was later seen by a friend in Attleborough, Mass., shortly thereafter.

Police said her family was concerned about her well-being and safety. Colburn was stopped by police in Jacksonville, Fla., on Wednesday night during a routine traffic violation. Upon further investigation, authorities learned she was listed as a missing person and contacted local police.

"She is 29 and obviously an adult. She is not wanted on any criminal charges, and therefore there is not really anything law enforcement can do to compel her to return to New Hampshire and contact her family," said Aspinwall. Colburn was still traveling in the rented Jeep Liberty, which police said was due back to the rental company Tuesday. Police have relayed the message to Colburn that her family is still concerned about her welfare.